About AHS

The American Helicopter Society (AHS) International is the world’s oldest and largest technical society dedicated to enhancing the understanding of vertical flight technology. AHS International is a non-profit education and technical organization. Since it was founded in 1943 – just as the first US helicopter was being put into service – the Society has been the primary forum for interchange of information on vertical flight technology. According to the AHS Bylaws, the purpose of the Society is to "advance the theory and practices of the science of vertical flight aircraft."

Our Mission

The American Helicopter Society (AHS) International is the world’s premier professional vertical flight technical society. Since its inception in 1943, AHS has provided an international forum through which to expand the body of knowledge of vertical flight. The Society is the global resource for information on vertical flight technology.

Our Vision

To provide global leadership for scientific, technical, educational and legislative initiatives that advance the state-of-the-art of vertical flight.

Our Strategic Thrusts

Expand the membershipDevelop a robust online presenceReturn more value to the membersBe the leaders of advocacy for vertical flight technology

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Each year, the Society organizes or co-sponsors several regional and international conferences that facilitate the advancement of the theory and practices of helicopter and other VTOL aircraft technology, and publishes their proceedings. The Society publishes the premier vertical flight technology bi-monthly magazine, Vertiflite, as well as the world’s only technical vertical flight publication, The Journal of the American Helicopter Society(JAHS). The Society advocates on behalf of rotorcraft technology to the public and to government bodies. AHS also awards $50,000 in annual scholarships and sponsors an annual student design competition for undergraduate and graduate student teams. In addition, AHS presents two dozen annual awards to members of the vertical flight technical community for scientific and technical accomplishments, inspiring rescues, and promoting the goals of the Society.

AHS International is the world’s premier professional vertical flight technical society. Since its inception in 1943, AHS has provided an international forum through which to expand the body of knowledge of vertical flight. The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes AHS as a 501(c)(3) charity.